NHS Maternity Crisis Reaches Record High as Liberal Democrats Demand Action

​New analysis of NHS data by the Liberal Democrats has revealed that the risk of life-altering childbirth injuries has reached record-high levels, exposing a deepening national safety scandal across maternity services.

​The figures show that severe health risks to mothers have surged dramatically since 2021, driven by critical staffing shortages, missing consultants, and inadequate training. CQC data indicates that over 54,000 women last year were left alone during the late stages of labour or childbirth as NHS maternity wards are pushed to breaking point.

​Escalating Rates of Severe Injuries
​The analysis highlights significant increases in two major categories of childbirth trauma:

​Severe Tears: Three in every 100 women undergoing a vaginal birth now suffer severe 3rd or 4th-degree tears, requiring emergency surgical repair in an operating theatre. Rates have surged by 29% since 2021.

​Postpartum Haemorrhages: Severe bleeds involving a blood loss of more than 1.5 litres hit peak levels in 2026. The most recent quarter (April to June) recorded the highest level ever at 32.7 women per thousand. More than 8,000 women have suffered these severe bleeds since the start of the year—more than double the figure from the equivalent period in 2021.

​This builds on a devastating 2025, which saw 7,720 women suffer 3rd and 4th-degree tears, and 16,825 women experience severe bleeds exceeding 1.5 litres.

​Calls for Urgent Reform
​Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has demanded that the maternity care scandal be brought to an end by the conclusion of this Parliament. Following a successful campaign by Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan for an independent maternity commissioner, party representatives are pressing the government for immediate intervention.
​“These figures are a devastating indictment of our NHS maternity services. Thousands of women are being left alone during labour, terrified and exposed to life-altering trauma – because severe staffing shortages and missing consultants have pushed wards to breaking point."
​“The Government cannot turn a blind eye to this national safety scandal. Every mother deserves safe, compassionate care when bringing a child into the world. The Health Secretary must act now – with the staffing, training and resources maternity wards need. This crisis must end by the close of this Parliament.” Ed Davey MP

​Helen Morgan MP, Liberal Democrat Health Spokesperson, added:
​“The silent scandal of the maternity crisis in the country shames successive governments. It has unfolded in plain sight. We cannot accept the fact that injuries are rising, maternal deaths are higher than at any point in the last decade, or that 65% of maternity units are unsafe."
​“We have seen report after report gathering dust. Years after the Shrewsbury and Telford scandal which devastated my community - my neighbours and friends - women continue to suffer. This must be the moment we say ‘enough’.”

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